Jack Gale Goodman cut a wide path in his 90-year-long earthly pilgrimage which included being an athlete in younger days, an educator, a physical therapist, a musician and a leader in the Unitarian Universalist Church. He died Thursday, August 20, 2026 at The Manor in Tupelo on Lawndale. Jack was born November 9, 1935 in Kennett, MO, the only child of the late Melvin Goodman and Eula Christine Tinnin Goodman. He grew up and spent much of his childhood and adult years in cities such as Steele, MO, St. Louis, Fargo, North Dakota and Fort Wayne. A patriotic American, he served in the U.S. Army receiving an honorable discharge. An athlete of renown in high school days, Jack enjoyed going to school and learning, a splendid value he kept the whole of his life. His BA degree was from Arkansas State University in 1956. He taught physical education and coached women’s volleyball for several years. He went back to school at Moorhead College to earn his Master’s Degree and became a physical therapist, which became his professional calling. Jack served several terms as President of the Indiana Physical Therapy Association. Learned and adventurous, Jack loved to travel and “check” others out around the country. He could converse with anyone literally about any situation and loved to spin a yarn. He had a dry wit which was both alarming and disarming. He moved to Tupelo in 1987 where he practiced physical therapy in the North Miss. Medical Center until he retired. Jack was devoted to the Unitarian Universalist Church and provided strong leadership in the Tupelo congregation. Music of all genres was his great love and he enjoyed playing for social events and entertaining others. One of his favorite artists was Jimmy Buffett, “a parrot-head”. He was an avid golfer as well and, after the passing of his late wife, Joan in 2014, he enjoyed “squiring” the ladies!! Jack lived the last years of his life at The Manor on Lawndale, where he had many friends and enjoyed the assistance he received from the staff.
A Celebration of Life Reception will begin at 11 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo and continue until 1 PM. There will be a Time for Music and Reflections at Noon for family and friends. Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo Chapel is honored to serve the family.
Jack is survived by his children, Susan Potosky of Cordova, TN, and granddaughter and Melissa Surles (Garrett) of Southaven, MS, Matt Teegarden (Ginny) of Arvada, CO, and Chris Goodman (Barbara) of New Hartford, CT; as well as his grandchildren and great-children and many more loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Christine Goodman; and his wife, Joan Goodman, who died in 2014.
Condolences for the family may be posted on Jack’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
